------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 1, 1980 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: UCLA Daily Bruin Yes: Yesshows. Atlantic. By Chris Hoard Many fans will sigh with relief when they find out that Yesshows features tracks from two defunct versions of Yes. Yesshows contains tracks recorded from three tours, the first with keyboardist Patrick Moraz -- the Relayer tour of 1976. This material essentially consists of two tracks, each occupying a full side, except that one of the band's finest compositions from Tales From Topographic Oceans -- "Ritual" -- was idiotically divided between sides three and four. Word from the grapevine has it that the release of Yesshows provides a catalyst for Yes's departure from Atlantic records because the band fought against the album's release and had no say in the selection of the material. Despite these nasty rumors, this double set will not disappoint Yes admirers in the least. The selection of material could have been better, especially the selections extracted from the Going For The One and Tormato tours of 1977 and 78. The inclusion of "Gates Of Delirium," and "Ritual" are enough to justify the existence of Yesshows. These two tracks contain some of the most amazing instrumental feats by guitarist Steve Howe and bassist Chris Squire. The recording quality far surpasses that of their earlier, massive triple live album -- unfortunately now that Yes continues without Wakeman and Anderson, versions of older classics such as "Roundabout," "Perpetual change," or "Siberian Khatru," would have made much better listening than "Dont't Kill The Whale" -- a worthy message, but not a particularly good Yes song. Yes played some outstanding updated versions of their oldies-but-goodies on their latest tour with Wakeman and Anderson, but all that is included is a pallid rendering of "Time And A Word," leading into a laborous rehash of "Going For The One." Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com